Thiruvananthapuram, Jan. 25 -- Kerala figured prominently in the Padma Awards 2026 with the Centre honouring veteran Communist leader and former Chief Minister V. S. Achuthanandan, legendary Malayalam actor Mammootty, and SNDP Yogam General Secretary Vellappally Natesan for their distinguished contributions in public life, cinema and social service.
V. S. Achuthanandan has been awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honour, posthumously, in recognition of his decades-long service to public life.
A towering figure in Kerala politics, Achuthanandan, who passed away in 2025, was widely admired for his uncompromising stand on issues of public interest and governance.
Malayalam cinema icon Mammootty has been selected for...